Burien City Council unanimously votes to select Kamuron Gurol as City Manager

By a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Burien City Council voted to select as its new City Manager Kamuron D. Gurol at Monday night’s special session held at the Burien Community Center.

Gurol – who was not present at the meeting – is set to start his new gig April 16.

He is currently assistant city manager and community development director for the City of Sammamish.

As we previously reported, he was a corridor planning manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Urban Planning Office, director of the Kitsap County Department of Community Development, and manager of the Snohomish County Planning Division. Gurol began his work in growth management and environmental and natural resource planning with King County. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Washington and a Master of Public Administration degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Gurol will be paid $155,000 for a contract that “shall continue for an indefinite period pursuant to RCW 35A.13.130, unless terminated in the manner” provided in his contract.

He will receive performance reviews in the first year at the four, eight and 12-month periods, then again at least once annually thereafter.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Burien City Council, community members, city staff and candidates who participated in the selection process,” Gurol said in a statement read at the session by Human Resources Manager Angie Chaufty. “I am truly excited to have the opportunity to serve as your next city manager. In the coming years, we will have many problems to solve, relationships to strengthen, and infrastructure to build and maintain. With thoughtful leadership and policy direction from the City Council, I feel confident and energized to help Burien achieve our community’s goals.

“I also look forward to getting to know the city staff and hearing ideas to further enhance our teamwork, and enjoy the rewards of public service together. Our job is to provide high quality, innovative and responsive public facilities and services for Burien’s residents and businesses. Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll talks about excellence being a habit to cultivate, and he also creates a team dynamic that encourages fun and humor. I think you will find me keen on those values and many others.

“Meeting the Council’s and community’s high expectations can be hard work, but I know we are up to the challenge, and I can’t wait for mid-April to get started.”

Gurol was one of five finalists who met with the public at a reception on Feb. 28.

He replaces Mike Martin, who resigned in June of 2013 to take a job in Lynden, WA.

Here is video of the finalist candidates introducing themselves at the Feb. 28 reception shot by Michael Brunk; Gurol speaks around the 4:31 mark: